Out Aussie Rules star to teach new players about anti-gay hate

Gay Aussie Rules football star Jason Ball will teach new players about homophobia. The sportsman who came out in September will speak to the rookie athletes about gay hate during their induction training by the Australian Football League Players Association in January. Ball hopes giving new recruits the chance to meet and talk to an openly gay player will make a positive impact on the sport. 'People are able to connect with a personal story a lot better than a bunch of rules or regulations,' he told MCV. 'That’s what I can provide.' He added: 'It’s important when they’re just starting out and learning everything involved with being a football player, it does come with a lot of responsibility. 'This is why they have those camps, to give them an understanding of the fact that they are going to be a role model in society.'